The Meaning, Purpose, and Shar‘i Status of Istikhārah
Source: Fatāwā Muhammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Pg. 557
❖ Question:
What is the meaning and purpose of Istikhārah?
❖ Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد
The word “Istikhārah” originates from the root خَيْر, meaning goodness and well-being. It refers to seeking goodness from Allah in matters of importance.
Whenever a person is confronted with a significant decision—such as entering into a business deal, initiating a new venture, purchasing a house, shop, land, or plot, sending or responding to a marriage proposal, traveling, applying for a job, changing jobs, resigning from employment, etc.—and finds themselves confused, unsure, or mentally unsettled regarding which path to choose, then at such a critical junction, turning to Allah in supplication to seek His guidance and to ask for what is best is called Istikhārah.
Istikhārah is a Sunnah (Prophetic practice).
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best.
